Chorlton Gatherings – 15/11
Chorlton Online Gatherings - 15/11
Dear Friends
Please see below the details of our gatherings this week.
Tuesday 16th November, 7 – 7.45 pm: Loving Kindness Meditation for the UN International Day for Tolerance
This day is the UN International Day for Tolerance. We will use the Metta Bhavana meditation, from the Buddhist tradition, to cultivate loving kindness towards ourselves and others. Led by Laura Dobson. No previous experience of meditation required. All welcome.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94223648779?pwd=UEVkejhLQnkxV2VrMHU5THg2ZUJNdz09
Meeting ID: 942 2364 8779
Passcode: 3c9Pb1
Wednesday 17th November 7 – 8 pm: Zoom Engagement Group
‘Why are we here? Discerning our Unitarian mission in an upturned world.’ A discussion of the inspiring and challenging first theme talk for Hucklow Summer School 2021, given by Rev Jo James. In the meeting I will show a short extract from the talk, which will lead into a discussion of the main themes. Led by Laura Dobson. All welcome.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361
Passcode: 101861
Jo is the minister of Mill Hill Unitarian Chapel, Leeds. His talk was entitled, “What is the spirit saying in the churches?” Are we ‘spiritual not religious’? If so, what does spiritual mean? Are we ourselves religious or does religious diversity meant that we are a space to talk about being religious? Drawing on insights from the academic study of religion and several years’ experience of practical ministry this talk aims to provoke and stimulate discussion but also to deep dive into sacred experience.
You can watch the full talk here:
All the theme talks can be viewed from the Hucklow Summer School YouTube channel
Thursday 18th November, 7 – 8.15 pm: Heart and Soul on Zoom
Heart and Soul is a contemplative spiritual gathering in which you can take time to reflect on life in the company of others. Each session follows a regular pattern, including readings and music, time for guided prayers of gratitude, compassion for others, self-reflection, and silent meditation. Led by Laura Dobson. All welcome. This week’s theme is ‘Strangeness.’
‘The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.’ ― Albert Einstein
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361
Passcode: 101861
Sunday 21st November 10:30 – 11:30 am Sunday Gathering on Zoom and in Church
Join us for our weekly worship service, led by Mike Rutter. All welcome.
This weeks theme is ‘Unitarianisam – Seeking Truth Through Freedom and Dissent’.
As Unitarians we believe that everyone has the right to seek the truth for themselves, without any constraint from Church or State authorities, freely and in accordance with their own reason, experience and conscience. In the past this has often led to persecution, and more recently, to prejudice and exclusion from jobs and various educational opportunities. The freedoms we all enjoy today have often been won by Unitarians and other Dissenters who have opposed conventional dogmas and forced them to give way to a more enlightened approach.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 9873 0361
Passcode: 101861
Information for those coming to church
Government coronavirus restrictions have now been lifted in England. However, the virus is still very much with us and we will therefore continue to take precautions in the church building as follows:
THERE IS NO NEED TO BOOK A PLACE IN THE CHURCH
We will, however, be keeping a record of who attends for test and trace purposes.
Chairs will be still be spaced apart – at 1 metre distance at the front and at 2 metres at the back. We will open the back door so that you can enter and leave at the back if that feels more comfortable.
We will continue to open the windows to ensure good ventilation. We will continue our sanitising routine in the church, including asking you to continue sanitising the toilets after use, please.
Face coverings are no longer mandatory in places of worship, but if you choose not to wear one, please ensure you maintain 2 metres social distancing from others at all times. Spare face coverings will be available for those who want to wear one and have forgotten to bring one.
If you can, please take a lateral flow test within 24 hours before attending church. These are available from GPs and pharmacies, and we will try to make some spares available at the church each week.
We will of course be continuing to livestream services on Zoom for those who are unable or not comfortable to attend church.
We look forward to seeing you soon on Zoom or in the Church
A reminder of our bank account details if you are able to make a donation:
Sort code: 40 11 56
Account number: 40716286
Bank: HSBC
Account name: Chorlton Unitarian Church
Blessings,